‘Very rare’ – Steven Gerrard explains second-half absence of James Tavernier v Lincoln
Steven Gerrard has confirmed that Rangers defender James Tavernier was taken off at half-time against Lincoln Red Imps only for a rest.
After Kemar Roofe limped off just before the interval, there was further concern when the Gers skipper didn’t return for the second half.
Tavernier put Rangers ahead in the 5-0 victory, curling the perfect free-kick into the back of the net in Gibraltar.
Gerrard explained his decision, claiming that it was always the plan to give the defender a rest should his side earn a comfortable lead in the tie.
“It was just a rest for Tav,” he said via BT Sport.
“I gave Borna Barisic a bit of a rest at the weekend and that’s why I put young Nathan Patterson on the bench.
“I had an idea we’d get comfortable in the game and I could offload Tav because it’s very rare I get the opportunity to do that.
“As soon as the game went 2-0 I thought let’s get Tav off and give him a blow.”
Tavernier has been a vital part of the Light Blues defence for many years now, with his goals and assists more important than his work at the back.
The 28-year-old has been integral behind his side keeping clean sheets in every one of their first seven league games this season – earning the highest WhoScored match average rating.
The defender has already scored twice and delivered three assists this season, and after this rest will go into the game with Hibernian fully charged on Sunday.
In other Rangers news, Alex McLeish blown away by Gers ace who started v Lincoln